Church of St. Francis Xavier

About Church of St. Francis Xavier

About Church of St. Francis Xavier

Contact Number in Church of St. Francis Xavier:

Visiting Time in Church of St. Francis Xavier:

Important Things to do Church of St. Francis Xavier:

This church is photographer friendly.

How to reach Church of St. Francis Xavier

Located in Old Goa, about 10 km from Panaji. Taxis from Panaji (₹200–400), local buses (₹15–30), or rented scooters. Parking is available opposite the church campus. Walkable from all other Old Goa churches.

Timings & opening hours

Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Sunday: 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Mass timings: Sunday — 8:00 AM, 9:15 AM, 6:00 PM (Konkani); 10:15 AM (English). Monday–Saturday — 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 6:00 PM. Special Mass at St. Francis Xavier’s chapel on the 6th of every month at 10:00 AM.

Entry fee & tickets

Free. Donations are welcomed for maintenance.

Duration needed

1 to 1.5 hours.

Location info

Old Goa — the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the relics of St. Francis Xavier.

Safety tips

Dress modestly — shoulders and knees must be covered. Remove caps and hats upon entering. No flash photography inside. Respect queues during special events.

Things to carry

Modest clothing (scarf or shawl to cover shoulders), camera (no flash), and a water bottle.

Nearby visiting places

Se Cathedral (about 200 m), Church of St. Francis of Assisi (about 200 m), Church of St. Cajetan (about 500 m), Archaeological Museum (about 200 m), Museum of Christian Art (about 500 m), and St. Augustine’s Ruins (about 800 m).

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Old Goa bus stop is within walking distance. Karmali Railway Station is about 4 km. Dabolim Airport is about 27 km.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide coverage across Goa. In beach areas and towns, 4G is generally reliable. Coverage may be weaker in remote interior locations or along certain coastal stretches. Most hotels and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Old Goa has a few small eateries and snack stalls near the church complex. For a proper meal, Panaji (about 10 km away) offers a wide range of restaurants, from Goan cuisine to multi-cuisine dining.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Panaji (about 10 km from Old Goa) has the widest range of accommodation, from heritage guesthouses in Fontainhas to modern hotels. Beach areas (Calangute, Candolim) are about 20–25 km away.

History of Church of St. Francis Xavier

The foundation was laid on 24 November 1594 and the church was consecrated on 15 May 1605. It was built under Fr. Alexia de Menezes, Archbishop of Goa, in Baroque style with a Mannerist facade. The architects were Goan engineer Julio Simao and Portuguese Jesuit Domingos Fernandes. It was raised to a Minor Basilica in 1946 — the first in India. It is one of the “Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. St. Francis Xavier (1506–1552), co-founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and known as the “Apostle of the East,” arrived in Goa in 1542. His incorrupt body is enshrined in a silver casket inside an Italian marble mausoleum designed by Giovanni Battista Foggini in 1697.

Things to visit & highlights

The silver casket containing the relics of St. Francis Xavier — the main pilgrimage draw. The golden altarpiece. The Italian marble mausoleum donated by Grand Duke Cosimo III de’ Medici of Tuscany. The distinctive unplastered red laterite exterior.

Climate & weather

Goa has a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons. Winter (November–February) is the peak tourist season: temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C with low humidity, clear skies, and calm seas — ideal for all outdoor activities. Summer (March–May) is hot and humid with temperatures reaching 35°C; beaches are less crowded but midday heat can be intense. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall, rough seas, and high humidity; many beach shacks close, but the landscape is lush and green, and it is the quietest time for those seeking solitude.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364. Police (Old Goa): +91-832-2285116. Ambulance: 108.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are located on the Panaji–Old Goa road, about 3–5 km from the church complex.

Frequently asked questions

When is the next exposition of St. Francis Xavier’s relics? The decennial exposition most recently took place from 21 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. The next is expected in 2034–2035.

Where are St. Francis Xavier’s relics? Inside a silver casket on the main floor of the Basilica of Bom Jesus (not in a crypt).

Is the Basilica of Bom Jesus a UNESCO site? Yes — it is part of the “Churches and Convents of Goa” UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accessibility

Most churches in Goa have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic churches listed as UNESCO sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance. Most churches welcome assistance animals.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

The white Baroque facades photograph best in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and the sun is at an angle. Interiors are often dimly lit — a fast lens or higher ISO helps. Altars and stained-glass windows are the key subjects. Many churches illuminate their facades at night — evening shots of lit-up white churches against dark skies are stunning. Use a wide-angle lens for interiors, and always check the photography policy (flash is usually prohibited).